Pioneering Sustainable Smart Gas Metering
NexMeter, developed by Pietro Fiorentini for Hera Group, is the world’s most advanced smart gas meter 4.0, featuring cutting-edge technology and enhanced safety functions. Designed to reduce gas dispersion and support the energy transition, NexMeter is now:
- Manufactured from 68% recycled plastic
- Certified for hydrogen distribution (up to 20% blend)
- Optimized for digital gas network management
This innovation is a key step in the fight against climate change, leveraging biomethane, hydrogen, and green syngas to drive carbon neutrality.
Key Features of NexMeter
- Green technology: Reduces methane leaks and lowers environmental impact
- Hydrogen-ready: Certified to handle up to 20% hydrogen blends
- Sustainable design: Over 68% of components made from recycled plastic
- Smart monitoring: Detects even minor gas leaks, enhancing safety and efficiency
- User-friendly digital manuals: Features a QR code to access digital guides, reducing paper consumption
Hydrogen Certification & Green Gas Compatibility
NexMeter has officially received hydrogen compatibility certification, ensuring its readiness for blended natural gas and hydrogen distribution. This certification was granted after:
- Metrological testing by Tifernogas, verifying compliance with EU Directives (2014/32/EU MI-002 and MI-008)
- Material compatibility analysis by RINA, an international leader in energy sector engineering and quality control
This makes NexMeter one of the first gas meters certified for hydrogen operation, marking a major milestone in the transition to renewable gas infrastructure.
Hydrogen Field Trials in Italy
The first real-world test of NexMeter’s hydrogen capabilities is set to begin soon in Castelfranco Emilia (Modena province, Italy). The project will:
- Introduce a natural gas-hydrogen blend into the domestic gas network
- Supply 30 households with hydrogen-compatible gas
- Support Italy’s decarbonization goals by testing new, sustainable energy solutions
This first-of-its-kind pilot project in Italy will help shape future green gas adoption strategies, aligning with European sustainability initiatives.
Eco-Friendly Gas Metering: Sustainability at the Core
NexMeter isn’t just smart and efficient—it’s also eco-friendly. With its recycled plastic construction, it directly supports the circular economy. Key environmental benefits include:
- 68% recycled plastic usage, reducing reliance on virgin materials
- Recyclable cardboard packaging to minimize waste
- Paperless manuals, accessed via a QR code, cutting down on deforestation
These innovations position NexMeter as the most sustainable smart gas meter on the market, setting a benchmark for future energy devices.
Scaling Up: 300,000 NexMeters Installed by 2023
The previous generation of NexMeter has already proven its value, with:
- 70,000 units in operation
- Advanced safety sensors, detecting gas leaks and seismic activity
- Real-time monitoring capabilities, preventing gas loss
With an investment of €45 million, Hera Group aims to install 300,000 NexMeters by 2023, prioritizing earthquake-prone regions like Emilia-Romagna and Friuli-Venezia Giulia.
Industry Leaders Driving the Future of Smart Gas Metering
Hera Group: A Sustainability Pioneer
- One of Italy’s largest multi-utilities, serving 5 million citizens
- Operates in waste management, energy, and water services
- Ranked as the world’s best multi-utility for ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) performance
- Included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) World & Europe
Panasonic: Innovating Smart Energy Solutions
- A global leader in smart energy systems and electronics
- Over 35 years of experience in ultrasonic gas metering technology
- Partnering with Hera Group to advance sustainable energy solutions
Pietro Fiorentini: A Smart Metering Technology Leader
Enhancing gas distribution networks worldwide
Develops cutting-edge smart gas metering solutions
Committed to energy transition and green innovation
